The chassis numbering in use before the introduction of the new format described later consists of a numerical sequence of seven or more digits with a prefix letter, together with letter and/or letter and number suffix combinations. The suffixes are not detailed in the reference pages, as these indicate production variations not necessarily associated with all vehicles of one particular type.

Exception - Hillman Minx 111 has no prefix letter.

Prefix Letters

Other than in the case of the 1949 Sunbeam Talbot 90 Mk.11 and early Mk. 11A, which are prefixed 'A', no prefix letter denotes model period prior to 1950.

Prefix letter 'A' denotes model period 1950 - 1959

Prefix letter 'B' denotes model period 1960 onwards

(Note) Late production Hunter Range vehicles incorporated within this period carry prefix letters 'LB' to indicate Linwood manufacture.

For many years it has been practice to build into the chassis number an indication of model and year of manufacture,

e.g. A 1300001

A = 1950 - 1959
1 = Hillman Minx
3 = Minx Mk. V1, 1953

However, owing to the many changes to the original coding it is necessary for the whole to be treated as a manufacturing serial number as the original method of identification cannot always be applied.

Suffix Letters

These fall into two main headings, one of a combination of three letters, or two letters and one numerical digit, in certain instances preceded by another of one to six letters.

Vehicles of the Avenger Range produced before the introduction of the new format must be considered seperately from the earlier numbering system, owing to prefix and suffix differences. Later production conforms to the new format which is described later.